July 26, 200521 yr The Florida Marlins' pitching staff received a boost with Antonio Alfonseca rejoining the bullpen and Ismael Valdez returning to the rotation. Both right-handers have been sidelined much of the season with injuries. ??It's like making a trade,'' manager Jack McKeon said Tuesday. Alfonseca was activated after spending three months on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his elbow. He's 0-1 with a 1.59 ERA in six games. Valdez, who missed the first 3? months of the season with a broken right fibula, will make his first start Wednesday against Pittsburgh. ??I'm a little nervous,'' he said. ??I just want to face some hitters and do the best I can.'' Valdez pitched two innings of relief Friday at San Francisco in his first appearance of the year. To make room on the roster for Alfonseca, the Marlins optioned right-hander Randy Messenger to Triple-A Albuquerque. Right-hander Nate Bump was transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. Source: AP
July 26, 200521 yr I hope they hit the ground running. That's too bad about Bump. I think he was making valuable contributions to the team in the swingman role. Messenger down and Vargas still up? This must mean that if Valdez falters the Fish are willing to go with Vargas? I like having the option. We know he can pinch-hit at least. :mischief
July 26, 200521 yr Alfonseca was projected to be a big part of that bullpen.. This is big.. I'm excited to see Pulpo back.
July 26, 200521 yr Couldn't have come at a better time. (Well, I guess a month ago would have been better) This week is HUGE for us.
July 26, 200521 yr That's too bad about Bump. I think he was making valuable contributions to the team in the swingman role. Man, I feel the same way about Bump...but damn that guy can piss me off in a hurry. I have never had emotional swings with any player like I do with Bump.
July 26, 200521 yr That's too bad about Bump. I think he was making valuable contributions to the team in the swingman role. Man, I feel the same way about Bump...but damn that guy can piss me off in a hurry. I have never had emotional swings with any player like I do with Bump. 875339[/snapback] I think we just found out who your favorite player is.............. :whistle
July 26, 200521 yr I agree there is something about bump that makes people just love/hate for him. I think he is a good kid and will become a good reliever someday.
July 26, 200521 yr I agree there is something about bump that makes people just love/hate for him. I think he is a good kid and will become a good reliever someday. 875344[/snapback] On the whole he's been pretty decent even this season, it's great to see a guy who you can bring in with runners on and feel confident he can get a DP out of it. It's a shame but hopefully AA can give the bullpen a boost.
July 26, 200521 yr Our bullpen is getting back to shape and were ready to take the NL East by storm so get ready cause the marlins are coming for the crown.
July 27, 200521 yr Odd that Messenger would be sent down instead of say Vargas (so he could continue starting games) or Reidling. I guess they're concerned about the starting rotation and are willing to give Reidling a long second chance. Ramp/Mav, didn't you say that Bump had pitched a rehab outing?
July 27, 200521 yr Why the hell is Vargas still here? 875635[/snapback] doesn't make much sense to me either, especially since I thought Messenger was improving. Heard Jack on the radio & he mentioned he was sorry to have to send Mess down because he thought he'd pitched well, & said he'd feel comfortable calling him back up anytime he needed an arm. I'm not sure why they wouldn't just send Vargas down & keep Mess up. If Bump ever gets healthy I'd much rather have him in there than Riedling too.
July 27, 200521 yr The only thing I can figure is that Vargas is left handed. 876017[/snapback] Yes. Pirates have so many left handed players
July 27, 200521 yr Author The only reason i can see that Jason is still here is A. he is left handed; B. They are not sure of the status of Ismael Valdes and his start on Wednesday; C. Maybe the AJ deal is closer that we think...could be any of those three options anyhow.....AA looked completely incredible tonight working his way out of the bases loaded jam
July 27, 200521 yr Odd that Messenger would be sent down instead of say Vargas (so he could continue starting games) or Reidling. I guess they're concerned about the starting rotation and are willing to give Reidling a long second chance. Ramp/Mav, didn't you say that Bump had pitched a rehab outing? 875670[/snapback] Okay, I've seen Messenger pitch three or maybe four times now. Let me explain what his problems are. 1. His fastball has absolutely zero movement. Straight as a string. 2. See number 1. 3. See number 1. Until he can get some movement on this fastball, he might as well be pitching batting practice. In the minors you can get away with throwing past people, in the bigs he's a pigeon. The best thing for him is to go down, work on making his fastball dance a little and try again next spring. Vargas is still with the team for one reason, he's lefty.
July 27, 200521 yr And may I say, you really had to be there when AA came out of the pen, and after he shut down the Pirates with the bases loaded and no one out. The place was rockin', it was electric and for PPS, the noise almost deafening. It was a great moment and I look forward to more of them. Did they show on tv the reception he got in the dugout? Everyone high-fiving him, hugging him, they all came out to meet him at the steps, it was just great!!!!!
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